Mexico and California-grown produce

New organic offerings of sweet corn and asparagus

Jacobs, Malcolm & Burtt (JMB) ships over 4,000,000 cases of asparagus per year and over 100,000 cases of packaged sweet corn annually; a portion of that is now made up of organic produce. Both vegetables are sourced year round from California and Mexico. Conventional asparagus comes from Mexico year round with organic from February – March in Caborca and Firebaugh California from March – May. California’s organic sweet corn is available from June – August.

The company indicates that by partnering with growers, instead of growing produce on its own, income goes directly back to the grower’s local economy. The decision to move into organics was brought on by the industry trend moving in that direction, and also, according to Craig Rolandelli, Vice President of JMB, “pressure from retailers, particularly Costco.”

Lower yields

The first growing season for their organics was “good”, though Rolandelli says organic yields are lower, making costs higher. In addition to that, there are also challenges with higher fertilizer costs, he says. These factors result in higher pricing – as much as 25 – 50 per cent. “Pricing should stay the same” for the next season.

The company’s Side Dish Steamers line now has both conventional and organic sweet corn and asparagus. “Our new organic asparagus offering is an exciting addition to our existing line, and we’re thrilled to be offering sweet corn again, especially in value-added 4- and 8-packs,” says Dan Miller, Grower Relations and Worldwide Production Manager. “The organic asparagus and value-added sweet corn offerings help bolster our new product announced last year, Side Dish Steamers.” JMB offers organic asparagus in 1 lb. and 2 lb. packages. Value-added sweet corn is available in 4-packs and 8-packs, as well as windowed 4-packs.

Rolandelli says Side Dish Steamers will remain just sweet corn and asparagus for now but more offerings may be added in the future.